May 24, 2017

Today SONIROCK launched a Kickstarter campaign for SONICAM, a professional virtual reality camera with 3D spatial audio. With its in-camera stitching and real-time preview, this spherical HD camera enables any videographer to become a VR content producer. Early bird pricing starts at $1999 USD (retail value $3999).

SONICAM features 9 fisheye cameras for high definition video, real-time stitching and preview functions which make it easy to achieve professional quality without post-production. The camera has 4K HD resolution for shooting 2D or 3D VR video with 360° field of vision, while minimizing all picture distortion.

“Our vision is to push the boundaries of virtual reality so it not only appeals to our sense of sight in very high quality, but also to our sense of sound,” said SONIROCK CEO Danny Zhu. “SONICAM makes 360 vision and spatial audio accessible for any videographer.”

SONICAM has 64 built-in microphones and audio core algorithm technology that allow for 3D ambisonic sound to control the viewer’s attention. Filmmakers can present sounds from any direction, give them cues on where to look next, and increase the believability of the VR experience. A beamforming microphone array also allows for noise reduction.

“When VR users detect a mismatch between their senses, the illusion of being in another world breaks down,” said CTO James Zhan. “In the finished product, sound effects automatically follow the viewer’s head movements, further upping the immersive experience.”

The Sonicam’s WiFi function makes it possible to control the camera with a company app and to live-stream VR content. In addition, the camera features GPS and 9 axis Gyroscope – 3 accelerometer, 3 G-sensor, 3 e-compass – that enable it to process more shooting data and improve the image and audio.

Other features of the camera include live VR abilities for instant streaming, time lapse functionality, high picture quality in low-light (using professional 9 * Sony Exmor R & STARVIS CMOS Image Sensor), and compatibility across all commercial VR headsets.

SONICAM’s crowdfunding campaign runs from May 24 – June 28, 2017. For a full rundown of the pledge levels visit their Kickstarter page. Media wishing to interview their personnel should contact PR agent, Borjana Slipicevic at +1 778 858 2595.